April 2026 – Gary Bennett Publishing

Funny songs to tickle your ‘humorous’ bone

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the April 16, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Humor is a funny word. (Wait, let me rephrase that.)

The word actually began its long journey meaning something you’d never expect — it derives from the Latin for bodily fluid. Medieval medicine believed the body contained four primary fluids or “humors,” including blood, phlegm and two types of bile, thought to determine temperament. By the 16th century the term broadened to mean one’s moods or whims. Finally, by the late 17th century, humor arrived at its modern meaning: amusing or funny.

Humorist and author Larry Wilde, director of the Carmel Institute of Humor, declared April to be National Humor Month in 1976, which made abundant sense since April 1 had long been established as April Fool’s Day. Thereafter, April 19 was officially named Humorous Day — dedicated to having a good time and finding the bright side of even the toughest situation.

Science has confirmed that laughter is the best medicine. It allows us to breathe in more fresh air, boosts our heart rate, lowers blood pressure and stimulates our lungs and respiratory system. You can even burn calories and release physical tension when you laugh. Laughter strengthens relationships, too — it helps couples stay together longer, enhances parent/child bonding and makes friendships stronger.

So what can you do to get some of this good juju on Humorous Day?

You could binge-watch a great sitcom — “All in the Family,” “Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Seinfeld,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Honeymooners” or “I Love Lucy.”

You could watch stand-up on YouTube from Jack Benny, George Carlin, Johnny Carson, Bill Cosby, Rodney Dangerfield, Jackie Gleason, Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy or Richard Pryor.

You could rent a great comedy — the American Film Institute recommends “Animal House,” “Caddyshack,” “Duck Soup,” “Elf,” “Ghostbusters,” “Home Alone,” “M*A*S*H,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Office Space,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Wayne’s World” and “Wedding Crashers.”

Or you could catch a live comedy show — The Comedy Pigs at MET, Comedy Fest at the Weinberg or the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour on April 23.

But for me, there’s nothing better than a great humorous song. Writing one is harder than it looks — that’s why so many “novelty” songs are cringe-worthy. You typically won’t get belly laughs from funny songs, but you will get heartwarming smiles for as long as you care to listen.

Below, I’ve listed some of my favorites alphabetically. Queue them up on your smart speaker for an hour and a half of Humorous Day listening pleasure. Did I miss any of yours?

A BOY NAMED SUE

Johnny Cash, 1969

Country superstar hit gold by going against type in this live, funny performance.

Funny lyric: “But the meanest thing that my daddy ever did / Was before he left, he went and named me Sue.”

COVER OF THE ROLLING STONE

Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, 1972

Satirical romp that mocks the music industry’s obsession with image and fame.

Funny lyric: “I got a freaky old lady name a Cocaine Katy who embroiders on my jeans / I got my poor old gray-haired daddy drivin’ my limousine.”

EAT IT

“Weird Al” Yankovic, 1984

The king of parodies had several but his best one riffs on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”

Funny lyric: “Have some more yogurt / have some more Spam / It doesn’t matter if it’s fresh or canned / Just eat it.”

IF YOU WANNA BE HAPPY

Jimmy Soul, 1963

This No. 1 hit gave dubious advice that marrying an ugly woman is a safe bet.

Funny lyric: “Though her face is ugly, her eyes don’t match / Take it from me, she’s a better catch.”

I’M TOO SEXY

Right Said Fred, 1991

This all-time funniest karaoke-style song pokes fun at bodybuilders.

Funny lyric: “I’m too sexy for my shirt / Too sexy for my shirt / So sexy it hurts.”

IT WASN’T ME

Shaggy, 2000

This cheating anthem is a humorous guide to lying even when caught red-handed.

Funny lyric: “But she caught me on the counter (It wasn’t me) / I even had her in the shower (It wasn’t me.)”

KING TUT

Steve Martin, 1977

Comedy legend first performed this bizarre song on “Saturday Night Live.”

Funny lyric: “When I die, now don’t think I’m a nut / Don’t want no fancy funeral, just one like ole King Tut.”

MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO COME

Three Dog Night, 1970

Naive party-goer is shocked, shocked!, by what he sees at his first wild party.

Funny lyric: “The radio is blastin’, someone’s knockin’ at the door / I’m lookin’ at my girlfriend, she’s passed out on the floor.”

MARGARITAVILLE

Jimmy Buffett, 1977

The king of laid-back island rock gets wasted and half-laments a lost love.

Funny lyric: “I don’t know the reason, stayed here all season / With nothing to show but this brand-new tattoo.”

MY DING-A-LING

Chuck Berry, 1972

Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer had his biggest hit with this sly, double-entendre sing-along.

Funny lyric: “I fell so hard, I heard bells ring / But held onto my ding-a-ling-a-ling”

NO NO SONG

Ringo Starr, 1974

Ex-Beatle delivered a cheekily charming and exasperated anti-drug song.

Funny lyric: “And I said, ‘No, no, no, no, I don’t smoke it no more / I’m tired of waking up on the floor.’”

ONE WEEK

Barenaked Ladies, 1998

The Canadian pop rockers had several mischievous songs. This one tops the list.

Funny lyric: “Like Harrison Ford, I’m getting frantic / Like Sting, I’m tantric / Like Snickers, guaranteed to satisfy”

PURPLE PEOPLE EATER

Sheb Wooley, 1958

A perennial Halloween favorite that topped the charts.

Funny lyric: “But that’s not the reason that I came to land / I wanna get a job in a rock-and-roll band.”

THE STREAK

Ray Stevens, 1974

Of the many “streaking” songs of 1974, this one was at the top.

Funny lyric: “And here he come, right out of the cheap seats, dribbling / Didn’t have on nothing but his Keds.”

TELEPHONE MAN

Meri Wilson, 1977

Lighthearted, double-entendre song lampooning getting a phone installed.

Funny lyric: “Hey baby, I’m your telephone man / Show me where you want it and I’ll put it where I can.”

UNEASY RIDER

Charlie Daniels, 1973

A pot-smoking, long-haired hippie somehow escapes intact from a no-nonsense Southern bar.

Funny lyric: “Well they all started laughin’ and I felt kinda sick / And I knew I’d better think of somethin’ pretty quick / So I jes’ reached out an’ kicked ol’ green-teeth right in the knee.”

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

Grass Roots will bring timeless pop hits to the Weinberg

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the April 9, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

A question for baby boomers: What do ‘60s rock bands the Grass Roots and the Monkees have in common? Give up? They are two of the most successful but rare American bands formed not by their members, but by studio executives looking to cash in on a musical trend. Organic groups like the Beatles and Rolling Stones would shudder at the thought, but it worked out just fine for both.

In the case of the Monkees, the record label hoped they would become the American Beatles. The Monkees did well commercially and even critically at times, but of course no band could be the Beatles. In the case of the Grass Roots, Dunhill Records wanted to assemble a band to catch the budding folk-rock craze in 1965. Staff songwriters came up with the songs, an audition was held and soon the Grass Roots were born. The name was meant to connote ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And they sure did.

But let’s get one thing out of the way first. Although none of the original Grass Roots members are in the current lineup, it’s not fair to call them a tribute band. They are the Grass Roots. Three of the four members have been in the band for over 30 years, each personally recruited by founding member and lead vocalist Rob Grill. Grill played with the current lineup until his death in 2011 and turned over the name to them. The current members are Dusty Hanvey, Larry Nelson, Joe Dougherty and Mark Dawson. Critics agree they have stayed true to the songs and consistently earn good reviews.

You can catch the Grass Roots live at the Weinberg Center for the Arts 8 p.m. April 11. The show is part of the Weinberg’s LIVE! Series, celebrating iconic music and exceptional musicianship.

In their day, the Grass Roots were quite successful, reliably producing pleasing pop hits. From 1966 to 1975, they churned out songs that were not too dangerous or outlandish, but just right. Their relatively short run, and the fact that they spanned two different decades without dominating either, was detrimental to their legacy. They were like Three Dog Night and the Guess Who in that regard, just not quite as successful.

Although they never scored a No. 1 hit, the Grass Roots created six or seven instantly recognizable tunes that helped define the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Their catchy melodies and tight harmonies were good, but their unique brass section really set them apart — a novelty at the time, especially since jazz-rock groups like Chicago had yet to come along. The first few bars of “Let’s Live for Today,” “Midnight Confessions,” “I’d Wait a Million Years,” “Temptation Eyes,” “Sooner or Later” and “Two Divided by Love” always engender a strong response and get fans singing along.

AM radio play was a big factor in the Grass Roots’ success, too. They managed to become a disc jockey favorite and enjoyed frequent listener requests. From 1967 to 1972, the Grass Roots set a record for being on the Billboard chart for 307 consecutive weeks. They have sold over 20 million records worldwide, achieved one platinum album, two gold albums and 13 gold singles among their 20-odd chart hits.

Despite their success, the story of the Grass Roots is chaotic.

The original members who won the audition were all under 18, so their mothers had to sign their recording contracts. Soon after, the young artists — with studio executives calling the shots — compiled an album titled “Where Were You When I Needed You.” The album got little attention and disillusioned the band. Not enamored of folk rock in the first place, the group decided to return to San Francisco and perform the hard rock music they loved. Dunhill shrugged and opted to recruit another Grass Roots band in their place.

The next group of musicians to take the Grass Roots name included Rob Grill as bassist and lead vocalist. Grill became the face and voice of the Grass Roots on all their biggest hits until his death in 2011. In 1967, they put together “Let’s Live for Today” for their first single release. It became an iconic hit, reaching No. 8 on the charts — similar to the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” in that the song’s simple, timeless message and catchy hook turned it into a mantra for the youth of the day.

“Midnight Confessions” was next in 1968, shooting up to No. 5 — the highest chart position the group ever achieved. The song features intricate orchestration and a psychedelic organ sequence that makes it memorable. Quite often, when a movie or TV show needs a song to represent the vibe of the late ‘60s, “Midnight Confessions” is it.

In 1969, “I’d Wait a Million Years” became their third big hit, cementing the group as dependable hitmakers and a radio staple for years to come.

In 1970 and 1971, the group did not issue a new album other than a greatest hits compilation, but they did score a few more big singles. Staff songwriters gave them gems like “Baby Hold On,” “Temptation Eyes,” “Sooner or Later” and “Two Divided by Love.”

The group disbanded in 1975, but was restocked under Rob Grill’s guidance in the late 1980s. They no longer recorded but embarked on near-nonstop touring. Since then, the Grass Roots have played thousands of dates across the country to adoring fans.

In December 2015, the Grass Roots were inducted into the American Pop Music Hall of Fame, along with Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Neil Sedaka, the Association, Dion, the Lettermen, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Temptations and Three Dog Night.

Keys and O’s together again: Owner talks Frederick, Orioles affiliation and refurbished ballpark ahead of home opener

By Gary Bennett

Rendering of aerial shot of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, April 2026.

This article appears in the April 9, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

No one is more excited about the Frederick Keys in 2026 than owner Greg Baroni.

Baroni is credited with bringing the Keys back into the Orioles’ family and driving the public-private partnership between his company, Attain Sports, the City of Frederick and the Maryland Stadium Authority to upgrade Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Together, the partners are overseeing a $39 million renovation that Major League Baseball requires of its minor league affiliates. Chances are you’ve seen the cranes, trucks and workers busily readying the stadium for months.

This season the Keys return as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, a spot they held from their inception in 1989 until 2020. From 2021 to 2025, the Keys played in the MLB Draft League, unaffiliated with any major league club. They will compete in the South Atlantic League this year.

The Keys opened their season April 3 on the road. Their first home game is 7 p.m. April 14 against the Hudson Valley Renegades at the newly renovated Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. All fans in attendance on opening night will receive a commemorative rally towel.

The excitement for 2026 is palpable. Headlining the roster is Nate George, the reigning Orioles Minor League Player of the Year who finished with a .337 batting average in 87 games during the 2025 season and now ranks as the top prospect in the Orioles system — with Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers, who previously ranked ahead of him, having graduated to the Baltimore roster. Other prospects to watch include Ike Irish — a versatile 2025 first-round pick who can play catcher, first base and outfield — Vance Honeycutt and left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman.

Keys owner Greg Baroni of Attain Sports.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

Along with the much-anticipated return to the O’s fold, players and fans alike will enjoy a refurbished stadium in 2026. “The improvements will ensure the ballpark meets MLB Professional Development League standards while enhancing the overall experience for players, fans and the broader community,” said Baroni. “The renovations will deliver state-of-the-art facilities that directly support players’ health, preparation and daily experience.”

While many of the upgrades — new clubhouses, batting cages and bullpens — are designed to support player development and were stipulated by Major League Baseball, many others are designed to improve fan experience.

“The reconfiguration of the stadium has allowed us to expand the concourse and rethink how fans move through and enjoy the ballpark. Fans can expect more room to move and gather. Additional seating options include drink rails and flexible social spaces, enhanced hospitality areas for groups and expanded concessions,” said Baroni. The carousel and play area down the right field foul line where kids and parents liked to congregate have been removed, however.

Beginning in 2026, the stadium will not just be used for baseball. Baroni and his team are actively exploring ways to make it a true year-round community asset, even bringing in a full-time staffer with expertise in venue programming to help make that happen.

“Our goal is to include a mix of youth sports, concerts, festivals and other local gatherings that bring people together in different ways throughout the year,” said Baroni. “And this is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuing the evolution of the ballpark so it remains a vibrant, year-round destination.”

In an interesting move, Baroni and the Keys are proposing to add signage to the stadium for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 24. City council and the mayor must approve the request, which seeks to add the electrical workers’ union logo to the new batting training building on the southern side of the stadium, plainly visible from I-70. Baroni is quick to assure fans that the name of the stadium will not change.

New social seating additions at Harry Grove Stadium.

“The Harry Grove name will absolutely continue. It reflects the history of the ballpark and the land donation that made it possible. We’re very intentional about the partners we bring into the ballpark. Our focus is on organizations that are deeply invested in the Frederick community.” The Nymeo Field moniker, added in 2015, will stick around, too. The city receives a portion of all naming rights revenue since Baroni and his company lease Harry Grove Stadium from the city.

ORIOLES MAGIC AGAIN

The stadium upgrade is exciting, but it probably wouldn’t have happened had Baroni been unsuccessful in getting the Orioles affiliation back in Frederick. Being a minor league affiliate of a major league club brings enormous player development responsibilities, of which no small part is the playing environment and training amenities.

But still, getting the Keys back to their High-A roots took some doing.

Baroni and his company purchased the Aberdeen IronBirds from the Ripken family in 2024. Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., the namesake for the Aberdeen team and stadium, sold his stake in the IronBirds after years of clashes with the city over lease agreements and stadium funding responsibilities. A crucial part of that deal returned the Orioles affiliation to Frederick and swapped the Draft League affiliation to the IronBirds — a move intended to play on Cal Ripken’s well-known emphasis on fundamentals, which the Draft League highlights.

What the move means for Frederick, however, can’t be overstated.

“There’s a deep and longstanding connection between Frederick and the Orioles. At its core, it reconnects Frederick to the future of the Orioles. Fans aren’t just watching a game — they’re following players as they develop, grow and ultimately make their way to Baltimore. That creates a much deeper level of engagement and investment over time,” said Baroni.

It also taps into a strong sense of regional pride. Over the years, Keys fans have watched with pride as Orioles stalwarts like Ben McDonald, Pete Harnisch, Dylan Bundy, Mychal Givens, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and Trey Mancini made it to the majors.

The Washington Nationals may have made some inroads, but there’s no denying Frederick is Orioles territory. The Keys’ affiliation with the Orioles lasted from 1989 to 2020, and the loss of that affiliation added insult to COVID injury. But Baroni wants fans to know that if he has his way, the partnership will continue indefinitely. “The new partnership is strong and should endure for many years to come. There is no end in sight!” said Baroni.

To help celebrate the returning partnership, the Keys are also refreshing their brand — though Baroni points out the refresh is only partially due to the Orioles connection. He says it is more about honoring the history of the Keys while positioning the club for the future.

“Part of the refresh is using the ‘Key City’ nickname that will show up on uniforms for selected games and in other fan experiences. It’s a great way to celebrate the community and create something that resonates locally.”

New state of the art batting cages have been added for player development.

BARONI BASICS

Greg Baroni is the CEO and principal general partner of Attain Sports and Entertainment. Through his company, Baroni owns the Chesapeake Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Frederick Keys, the High-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Aberdeen IronBirds; and the Spire City Ghost Hounds, who have been on hiatus the last two years. He also owns the Loudoun United Football Club of the United Soccer League and partners with Evan McKnight Racing to round out his sports portfolio. He has other companies that operate in the education, healthcare, nonprofit and government sectors, but sports is a true love. “I’ve always enjoyed sports and the character it builds — sportsmanship, teamwork and community — and its impact on society.”

He doesn’t necessarily want to add more baseball teams to his portfolio, but if opportunities arise where a property is deeply connected to its community and he feels he can add value, he will take a close look.

Baroni grew up in Los Angeles and has been a lifelong Dodgers fan. However, he has now been a Maryland resident for nearly 40 years and has become passionate about the Orioles. “I have a great deal of respect for the new ownership group, Mike Elias and the club and farm system they are building. There’s a lot of excitement around the team right now and for good reason!”

Baroni gets to as many games as he can during the season. He likes being at the ballpark and spending time with fans, staff and players. He works closely with general manager Slater Fuchs and his leadership team, but makes it a point to get to know the coaches and players, too. “Spending time with them helps me stay connected to their player development needs and the on-field experience so we can better understand how to continuously improve ways to support them.”

With the Orioles looking like contenders again, the Keys back in the Orioles fold and a spiffy renovation enlivening our beloved ballpark, it’s hard to imagine things looking much better in the Key City — at least baseball-wise.